Torpedo safe separation and arming mechanism

ABSTRACT

A mechanism for arming a torpedo only after the torpedo achieves a safe separation from the launching tube including an elongate rod which is electrically driven from within the torpedo and caused to extend beyond the surface of the torpedo body by an upwardly moving threaded member mounted on a rotating threaded shaft. Should the torpedo inadvertently become lodged within the launching tube the rod jams the mechanism thereby preventing the torpedo from becoming armed. If the torpedo has successfully exited from the launching tube, after the tube sensing operation is completed, another elongate rod is withdrawn from the arming device by the same upwardly moving threaded member thereby unlocking the same. After a predetermined delay, the arming device is electrically connected to the firing circuit.

United States Patent 1 Haushalter [451 Aug. 14, 1973 TORPEDO SAFE SEPARATION AND ARMING MECHANISM [75] Inventor: Roger W. Haushalter, Santa Barbara, Calif.

[22] Filed: Oct. 6, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 187,133

[52] US. Cl 114/20 R, 102/16, 102/76 [51] Int. Cl. F42b 19/01, F420 15/00 [58] Field of Search 114/20 R, 20 A, 20 B,

114/21 R, 21 W, 21 A, 238, 239, 20; 102/70 R, 70 C, 7, 16, 81, 76, 78; 89/l.8, 6, 6.5

[56] References Cited 9/1961 Rimmer 114/20 X 11/1963 Wermager et al. 102/70 X Primary Examiner-Benjamin A. Borchelt Assistant Examiner-James M. Hanley Attorney-R. S. Sciascia et al.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A mechanism for arming a torpedo only after the torpedo achieves a safe separation from the launching tube including an elongate rod which is electrically driven from within the torpedo and caused to extend beyond the surface of the torpedo body by an upwardly moving threaded member mounted on a rotating threaded shaft. Should the torpedo inadvertently become lodged within the launching tube the rod jams the mechanism thereby preventing the torpedo from becoming armed. If the torpedo has successfully exited from the launching tube, after the tube sensing operation is completed, another elongate rod is withdrawn from the arming device by the same upwardly moving threaded member thereby unlocking the same. After a predetermined delay, the arming device is electrically connected to the firing circuit.

9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures mm mm 41m SHEEI 2 BF 4 INVENTOR ROGER M. HAUSHAL TEE FIG.2.

AGE/VT ATTORNEY PATENTEM 3. 752.104

SHEEI t 0F 4 m (0 g 2 w qn E, W U s 1 P o g INVENTOR Q ROGER w. HAUSHALTER u AGENT Lg BY ATTORNEY TORPEDO SAFE SEPARATION AND ARMING MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to torpedoes and more particularly to a mechanism for preventing permature arming of a torpedo.

In the past, it has not been uncommon when launching torpedoes from tubes, such for example, as submarine launched torpedoes, for the weapons to become inadvertently lodged in the launching tube. This problem becomes acute where subsequent arming occurs while the torpedo is still jammed in the tube as would be the case in a torpedo which is armed in a conventional manner, such for example as by a vane-type arming device. In such a situation, the relative velocity of the water with respect to the torpedo due to the movement of the tube in the water will usually be sufficient to initiate the arming sequence of the weapon, thereby placing the torpedo in its armed mode. The condition described hereinbefore obviously represents an extreme danger to the submarine and to the personnel aboard.

Other difficulties often arise, however, even after a torpedo safely exits from the launching tube. Frequently, the arming sequence is caused to begin prematurely by any one of a number of stimuli, such for example, as an unpredicted shock front moving into the torpedo. This premature arming gravely endangers the submarine since an explosion, the magnitude of which most present day torpedoes are capable, could forseeably annihilate any submarine within a wide radius.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a new and improved torpedo arming mechanism.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved mechanism for arming a torpedo only after a safe separation from the launching tube has been affected.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which will insure that the torpedo will remain in its unarmed mode for a predetermined time after the weapon has left the launching tube.

Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of this invention, these and other objects are attained by providing in a torpedo a motor drive system which, upon receiving a signal from a velocity responsive switch, such for example, as a conventional mercury switch, completes an unlocking cycle which unlocks a previously locked torpedo arming device. During the unlocking cycle, a safe separation sequence assures that the weapon has fully exited from the launching tube. Should a failure to clear the tube be indicated during the safe separation sequence, the unlocking cycle is immediately terminated thereby leaving the arming device in the locked mode. After a satisfactory completion of the unlock cycle and receipt of a target acquisition signal, the motor drive system initiates an arming cycle which connects the unlocked arming device into the firing circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better under stood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation, partially in section, of a submarine torpedo tube with a torpedo disposed therein;

FIG. 2 is a side view in partial section of the elongate member and driving apparatus therefor enclosed within a housing;

FIG. 3 is a side view in partial section of the gearing arrangement for the motor drive system of the present invention;

FIG. 3a is a sectional view taken along lines 3a3a of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a part of the safe separation detection and unlocking devices which comprise the present invention;

FIGS. 5a through f are longitudinal cross-sections taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4 showing the operating sequence of the safe separation devices;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view in partial section of the arming device of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the prelaunch safety devices and hydrostatic lock of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional torpedo launching tube 10 having a torpedo 12 disposed therein. The torpedo 12 may be of any conventional type which may be equipped with a housing 14, the upper surface of which is seen in FIG. 1, which encloses the safe separation and arming mechanism of the present invention in an accommodating well (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 2, the housing 14 of the preferred embodiment is of a substantially cylindrical configuration having a cover member 16 of a shape adapted to conform to the outer surface of the torpedo when the housing is positioned within the well. The housing 14 is equipped with an elongate cylindrical rod 18 extending longitudinally therein adjacent the perimeter thereof having an integral hexagonal head portion 20 protruding through the lower surface of the housing which serves to properly position the housing in the well by engagement with a similarly shaped hole formed in the well. The housing 14 is further equipped with male electrical contacts 22 protruding beyond the lower surface which, upon being inserted into appropriate female contacts in the well, supply various electrical equipment within housing 14, such for example, as a sensor 24, processor modules 26 and firing circuit modules 23 with operating voltages from a source of electrical energy housed within the torpedo itself. These contacts 22 further provide a reversible d.c. motor 30 centrally mounted within housing 14 with electrical energy in response to a predetermined stimulus as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, motor 30 is directly connected to a spur gear which will be referred to as sun gear 32 through a shaft 34 having a shear pin 36 disposed therein. At least two planetary gears 38, adapted to engage the sun gear 32 and revolve therearound, are rotatably mounted on a circular disc 40 which has attached integrally thereto an elongate cylindrical shaft 42. Surrounding or encircling the gearing arrangement is a substantially cup-shaped member 44 having an axially extending cylindrical sleeve 46 centrally disposed below and integral therewitn which sheathes a substantial portion of shaft 42. The upper portion of the inner surface of the cupshaped member 44 is provided with gear teeth 48 adapted to mesh with planetary gears 38. An annular flange 50 is integrally formed at the lower extremity of the cup-shaped member 44. The flange 50 has an outer surface which is divided into upper and lower portions 52 and 54, respectively, the former having gear teeth formed thereon and the latter comprising a ratchet wheel as best shown in FIG. 3a. Cooperating with the lower ratchet portion 54 in a conventional pawl 55 biased thereagainst. The ratchet teeth are formed so as to permit rotation of the integral annular flange 50 and cup-shaped member 44 in a counterclockwise direction as shown by the arrow 128 in FIG. 3a while preventing rotation in the opposite direction.

The aforementioned motor 30 and gearing assembly comprise a motor drive system for driving apparatus to be described hereinafter which, after sensing a safe separation from the tube has been accomplished, unlocks an arming device and the performs the arming function.

Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 2, an elongate cylindrical shaft 56 is positioned substantially adjacent to motor 30 and extends substantially the length of housing 14. The cylindrical shaft 56 is partially threaded along its central portion 58 and is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis at its lower end by a bearing 60 and a fixed cylindrical sleeve or bushing 62 at its upper end. Fixed to the shaft immediately above and adjacent to bearing 60 is a pinion gear 64 which operatively meshes with the upper gear portion 52 of the flange 50. It is obvious, therefore, that should the cupshaped member 44 be caused to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, as discussed hereinbefore, the shaft 56 will be driven by gear portion 52 through pinion 64 in a clockwise direction.

A nut member 66 having a radially extending portion 68 is threadedly mounted on shaft 56 at the lower extremity of threaded portion 58 and is prevented from rotating with the shaft by cooperation with apparatus which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. The nut member 66 is appropriately threaded so that should the shaft be caused to rotate in a clockwise manner as described hereinbefore, the nut member 66 will more upwardly on the shaft.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, immediately adjacent and parallel to shaft 56 is an elongate cylindrical member 70, which performs a tube-feeling function, having a hollow lower portion 72 having a cylindrical bore 73 formed therein extending through a substantial length thereof. Slidably positioned within the hollow portion 72 is an elongate cylindrical rod '74 which functions, when in the position shown in FIG. 4 and FIGS. a to Sc, as a lock for the arming device which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. A transverse lug 76 is fixed to the upper end portion of the rod 74 whose function will become obvious hereinafter.

Briefly, the purpose of the elongate member 70 is, upon suitable actuation, to move upwardly through an aperture 78 in cover 16 a limited distance and then return to its initial withdrawn position. If the torpedo has successfully exited from the launching tube the upward movement will be unimpeded and the arming device will unlock as will be described. However, should the torpedo become inadvertently lodged in the tube, the elongate member will be prevented from performing its unlocking function and will cause the arming device to remain in its locked mode thereby rendering the torpedo safely unarmed.

The lower hollow portion 72 of elongate member 70 is of an enlarged diameter and has an outwardly projecting Tang 72 formed thereon substantially midway along the lower portions length. Immediately above the tang '79, a continuous slot is formed in the elongate member '70 including a vertical slot segment 80 and an angularly disposed cam slot segment 82 intersecting at their lower extremities as best seen in FIG. 5b. The lower hollow portion '72 is separated from an upper reduced diameter portion 84 of the elongate member 70 by an integrally formed skirt 86 which defines a cam surface 88 angularly formed thereon which extends parallel to the angular slot segment 82. The reduced diameter upper portion 84 of the elongate member 70 extends through the aperture 78 and acts as the tubefeeler as discussed above.

In their initial positions, the elongate cylindrical member 70 is disposed with the tange 79 directly supradjacent to the extended portion 68 of nut member 66. The fixed cylindrical sleeve 62 has a projection 90 formed thereon which bears against the uppermost portion of the skirt 86 at the initial point of cam surface 88 as shown in FIG. 5a and serves as a stationary cam guide as will become evident in the description of the operation of the safe separation mechanism. The elongate cylindrical rod 74, slidably held within bore 73, is positioned so that the transverse lug 76 fixed thereto protrudes through the uppermost extremity of the angular slot segment 82 (FIG. 5a. In this position a lower portion 92 (see FIG. 6) of elongate cylindrical rod 74 extends through a switch plate 94 into a slot 96 formed in the rim of a rotatably mounted detonator disc 98. The switch plate 94 and detonator disc 98 comprise the arming device of the present invention and are disposed directly beneath the housing 14 in the torpedo body. The disc 98 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 42 which itself is coupled to motor 30 and extends through the switch plate 94. The rod 74, when in this position, i.e., when its lower portion 92 is in slot 96, acts as a detent or lock preventing the rotation of the disc 98. Upon suitable rotation of the disc 98, subsequent to removal of rod 74, the torpedo is placed in its armed mode in a manner which will be described hereinbelow.

As best seen in FIGS. 7 and I, further safety devices are included in the mechanism. An environmentally sensitive safety lock is provided utilizing a diaphragm 100 connected to a substantially L-shaped member 102 having a partially threaded bore 104 formed therethrough and a threaded protrusion 106 on the short leg thereof. The long leg of the L-shaped member has a step 110 formed therein and extends into a notch Ill defined in the upper portion 84 of elongate member 70 while the threaded protrusion 106 receives a threaded cylindrical member 112 which bears against the diaphragm 110 through a washer 1114 thereby fixing the diaphragm in place. A spring 116 is positioned within a cavity formed in the cover member 16 and bears against the end surface of threaded protrusion 106 and a wall of the cavity. A prelaunch safety lock 117 is further provided which includes a ring H8 connected to a threaded bolt 120 which extends into and threadedly cooperates with partially threaded bore 104.

A clearer understanding of the apparatus described hereinb'efore and additional apparatus to be described hereinafter can be achieved through a description of the operation of the mechanism. Prior to inserting the torpedo 12 into launching tube 10, the prelaunch safety lock I17 is removed from the cover member 16 by turning ring 118 and withdrawing threaded bolt 120 from the L-shaped member 102. Until this is done, the elongate member 70 is constrained in place by cooperation of the L-shaped member 102 and notch Ill and the mechanism is thereby prevented from operation. The torpedo is then loaded into the launching tube and the tube is flooded thereby equalizing the internal tube pressure and external environmental pressure. As the tube is flooded, water enters a cavity 122 through bore 104 and the pressure differential acting upon diaphragm 100 moves the L-shaped member 102 against the force of the spring 116 whereupon, after sufficient movement, a wire spring 124 (FIG. 7) snaps into cooperative engagement with step 110 thereby latching the L-shaped member in place. This positive latching is necessary to prevent subsequent relocking of the elongate member 70 due to low pressure associated with torpedo cavitation.

The torpedo is launched and, upon clearing the tube, the torpedo power source is activated. After threshold velocity is attained, a velocity switch (not shown) closes and a voltage is applied to the motor 30 whereupon an unlock cycle begins. Referring to FIG. 3, in the unlock cycle, the voltage applied to motor 30 causes shaft 34 to rotate in the direction of arrow I26. Shaft 34 imparts a torque through the sun gear 32 to planetary gears 38. The circular disc 40, integrally connected to shaft 42, is prevented from rotating since the shaft 42 is rigidly connected to the detonator disc 98 which itself is constrained in position due to the cooperation of the lower rod portion 92 of elongate cylindrical rod 74 and slot 96. Because the circular disc 40 is prevented from rotation, the cup-shaped member 44 is caused to rotate by the planetary gears in the direction of arrow 128. The upper gear portion 52 of the cupshaped member 44 cooperating with pinion gear 64 totates the elongate cylindrical shaft56.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, as shaft 56 rotates, nut member 66 is caused to move upwardly on the threaded portion 58 eventually engaging the lower surface of tang 79 thereby urging cylindrical member 70 upwardly. The bushing projection 90 cooperates with the cam surface 88 and causes the cylindrical member 70 to rotate. Thus, motion of the cylindrical member 70 is both upward and rotational.

As shown in FIGS. 5a through f, the cylindrical member 70 moves upwardly and the upper extremity thereof extends above the upper surface of cover member 16 through aperture 78. If the torpedo has malfunctioned and has not properly exited from the launching tube, the upper portion of the cylindrical member 70 will interfer therewith. This interference jams the gearing system and the shear pin 36 on the motor shaft 34 fails thereby making it impossible for the torpedo to become armed. Since the detonator disc 98 is still locked in position by rod 74, the torpedo is in a safe mode and presents no danger.

Assuming a safe separation of the torpedo from the tube, the cylindrical member 70 will extend full stroke both axially and rotationally, (FIG. 50) whereupon the tang 79, having rotated through a suitable angle, will fall off the extending portion 68 of nut member 66 and permit the withdrawal of cylindrical member 70 under the urging of a spring 1130 (FIG. 7).

During this portion of the unlock sequence, elongate cylindrical rod 74 remains stationary since lug 76 is engaged in angular slot segment 82 which, as mentioned hereinbefore, is formed parallel with respect to cam surface 88. After the tube sensing is completed, the lug 76 becomes aligned with the vertical slot segment (FIG. Sc) which thereby enables the rod 74 to be withdrawn from the slot 96 in the detonator disc 98. The rod 74 is, however, still prevented from being momentarily shocked out of position by virtue of a retaining spring 132 concentric with the shaft 56 (FIG. 4) which bears against the underside of nut member 66 and the upper surface of a shoe 134 rigidly fastened to cylindrical rod 74.

A timing interval ensues during which nut member 66 continues to travel upwardly until it engages the lug 76 (now aligned with the vertical slot segment 80 as best seen in FIG. 5e, thereby extracting the lower rod portion 92 from the slot 96 and freeing the detonator disc for rotation in the arm cycle to be discussed hereinafter. Upon extraction, the lower rod portion 92 strikes a switch (not shown) which stops the motor 30.

The motor 38 is reenergized when an arming signal is received at target acquisition determined by conventional means, such for example, as by a magnetic influence detector after the unlocking cycle has been com pleted. In the arm cycle, a voltage of opposite polarity to that applied in the unlock cycle drives the motor 30 in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow 126 while pawl 55 locks the cup-shaped member 44 in place preventing the rotation thereof. referring to FIG. 3, the sun gear 32 rotates the planetary gears 38 which in turn rotate the circular disc 40 and shaft 42 which are now free to rotate since the detonator disc 98 to which shaft 42 is connected has been unlocked. Referring to FIG. 6, after the detonator disc 96 has rotated through a suitable angle, electroresponsive explosive detonators 1136 make electrical contact through switch plate contacts (not shown) completing the firing circuit in the firing circuit module 28 and further brings into alignment a conventional explosive train. Finally, after the unlock and arm cycles are completed, the output from either of processor modules 26 activates the firing circuit.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

I. A torpedo arming mechanism for use in a torpedo adapted to be launched through a launching tube comprising:

a first elongate member having a bore therein adapted to move in a radial direction with respect to said torpedo from a first position within the torpedo body, to a second position wherein an upper portion thereof extends byond the torpedo body, to a third position within the torpedo body;

a second elongate member slidably positioned within said bore wherein said second elongate member is adapted to remain stationary until said first elongate member attains said third position whereupon said second elongate member travels within said bore from a locking position to an unlocking position;

means adjacent to said first and secpnd elongate members for moving said first elongate member from said first position through said second position to said third position and for moving said second elongate member from said locking position to said unlocking position;

detonator means subjacent to said first and second elongate members for selectively fixing an electroresponsive detonator in a locked out-of-circuit position when said second elongate member is in said locking position and in an unlocked out-of-circuit position when said second elongate member travels to said unlocking position; and

driving and arming means for driving said first and second elongate member moving means and for subsequently selectively positioning said electroresponsive detonator from said out-of-circuit position to an in-circuit position.

2. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein said moving means includes a threaded shaft rotatably mounted adjacent said first and second elongate members having an internally threaded nut member defining an extended surface portion mounted thereon whereby upon rotation of said threaded shaft by said driving and arming means said nut member is caused to move upwardly on said shaft.

3. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 2 wherein said first elongate member has a projecting tang portion formed thereon directly supradjacent to said extended portion of said nut member whereby upon said upward movement of said nut member said tang portion is urged upwardly in contact therewith thereby axially moving said first elongate member from said first position to said second position.

4. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 3 wherein said moving means further include means for rotating said first elongate member during said movement from said first to said second position through an angle sufficient to disengage said tang from said nut member when said first elongate member reaches said second position.

5. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 4 wherein said means for rotating said first elongate member includes a fixed cylindrical sleeve housing the upper portion of said threaded shaft having an integral projection defined thereon which cooperates with an angularly disposed camming surface formed on said first elongate member whereby as said first elongate member is urged upwardly said cooperation between said projection and said camming surface causes said first elongate member to rotate.

6. A torpedo arming mechanism as defined in claim 5 wherein said first elongate member has formed therein a continuous slot comprising an angular slot segment and a vertical slot segment and said second elongate member includes a projecting lug fixed thereto at the upper end thereof extending through said angular slot segment when said first elongate member is in said first position and which becomes aligned with said vertical slot segment when said first elongate member reaches said second position.

7. A torpedo arming mechanism as defined in claim 6 wherein said projecting lug is positioned supradjacent to said extended surface of said nut member whereby upon further upward movement of said nut member, said projecting lug comes into contact therewtih therewith is moved through said vertical slot segment thereby causing said second elongate member to move from said locked position to said unlocked position.

8. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein said detonator means includes a disc memher having a slot formed therein said disc adapted to be provided with electroresponsive detonators and said driving and arming means includes a means for rotating said disc from an out-of-circuit position to an in-circuit position in response to a predetermined stimulus.

9. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 8 wherein said disc member is prevented from rotation when said second elongate member is in said locking position defined by the lower portion of said second elongate member being positioned within said slot and is free to rotate when said second elongate member is in said unlocking position defined by the lower portion of said second elongate member being withdrawn from said slot.

* t t t a 

1. A torpedo arming mechanism for use in a torpedo adapted to be launched through a launching tube comprising: a first elongate member having a bore therein adapted to move in a radial direction with respect to said torpedo from a first position within the torpedo body, to a second position wherein an upper portion thereof extends byond the torpedo body, to a third position within the torpedo body; a second elongate member slidably positioned within said bore wherein said second elongate member is adapted to remain stationary until said first elongate member attains said third position whereupon said second elongate member travels within said bore from a locking position to an unlocking position; means adjacent to said first and secpnd elongate members for moving said first elongate member from said first position through said second position to said third position and for moving said second elongate member from said locking position to said unlocking position; detonator means subjacent to said first and second elongate members for selectively fixing an electroresponsive detonator in a locked out-of-circuit position when said second elongate member is in said locking position and in an unlocked out-ofcircuit position when said second elongate member travels to said unlocking position; and driving and arming means for driving said first and second elongate member moving means and for subsequently selectively positioning said electroresponsive detonator from said out-ofcircuit position to an in-circuit position.
 2. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein said moving means includes a threaded shaft rotatably mounted adjacent said first and second elongate members having an internally threaded nut member defining an extended surface portion mounted thereon whereby upon rotation of said threaded shaft by said driving and arming means said nut member is caused to move upwardly on said shaft.
 3. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 2 wherein said first elongate member has a projecting tang portion formed thereon directly supradjacent to said extended portion of said nut member whereby upon said upward movement of said nut member said tang portion is urged upwardly in contact therewith thereby axially moving said first elongate member from said first position to said second position.
 4. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 3 wherein said moving means further include means for rotating said first elongate member during said movement from said first to said second position through an angle sufficient to disengage said tang from said nut member when said first elongate member reaches said second position.
 5. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 4 wherein said means for rotating said first elongate member includes a fixed cylindrical sleeve housing the upper portion of said threaded shaft having an integral projection defined thereon which cooperates with an angularly disposed camming surface formed on said first elongate member whereby as said first elongate member is urged upwardly said cooperation between said projection and said camming surface causes said first elongate member to rotate.
 6. A torpedo arming mechanism as defined in claim 5 wherein said first elongate member has formed therein a continuous slot comprising an angular slot segment and a vertical slot segment and said second elongate member includes a projecting lug fixed thereto at the upper end thereof extending through said angular slot segment when said first elongate member is in said first position and which becomes aligned with said vertical slot segment when said first elongate member reaches said second position.
 7. A torpedo arming mechanism as defined in claim 6 wherein said projecting lug is positioned supradjacent to said extended surface of said nut member whereby upon further upward movement of said nut member, said projecting lug comes into contact therewtih therewith is moved through said vertical slot segment thereby causing said second elongate member to move from said locked position to said unlocked position.
 8. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein said detonator means includes a disc member having a slot formed therein said disc adapted to be provided with electroresponsive detonators and said driving and arming means includes a means for rotating said disc from an out-of-circuit position to an in-circuit position in response to a predetermined stimulus.
 9. A torpedo arming mechanism as recited in claim 8 wherein said disc member is prevented from rotation when said second elongate member is in said locking position defined by the lower portion of said second elongate member being positioned within said slot and is free to rotate when said second elongate member is in said unlocking position defined by the lower portion of said second elongate member being withdrawn from said slot. 